Center or guard? Three players the Memphis Grizzlies could target in the NBA Draft

The NBA Draft is two months aways, but it’s not too early to look into what options the Memphis Grizzlies can explore adding.

Memphis finished its season 27-55 and missed the postseason for the first time under coach Taylor Jenkins. Injuries led to a record-setting number of Grizzlies players being active this season but also created development opportunities for younger players.

The development of GG Jackson and Vince Williams Jr. has eased concerns on the wing while shifting most of the attention to center.

Memphis won’t learn the true landing spot of its draft pick until May 12 during the NBA Draft Lottery, but the seventh spot is currently where the Grizzlies stand.

Here’s an early look at prospect options who could be targets.

Fixing the hole at center

As general manager Zach Kleiman put it, the Grizzlies aren’t “hiding their hand” about the need for another big man. The easiest solution would be using a draft pick on this need, but there aren’t many elite bigs available on draft boards.

Donovan Clingan, a 7-foot-2 center from back-to-back champion UConn, is a promising fit for his physical presence and ability to protect the rim. He’s expected to go in the top 10, so draft positioning will be important.

Zach Edey, Yves Mossi and Alex Sarr are some of the other promising big prospects likely to go in the first round. Unless the Grizzlies move into the top four, Sarr is unlikely to be available when they pick. Clingan may be out of reach in that case as well, but his physicality would be a welcomed sight to a Memphis team that recently traded Steven Adams and Xavier Tillman Sr.

Scout's take on Clingan: He does a great job on on the boards on both ends of the floor and really knows how to use his size and weight to gain position and move opponents out of the way. He has a strong base and can hold position against anybody in college ball. Clingan is always a threat on the offensive glass. - NBA Draft Room

OFFSEASON PRIMER: What to know for Memphis Grizzlies offseason: Ja Morant injury status, key dates, NBA draft

Best guard available?

Memphis has its share of talented guards, but the NBA is a guard-oriented league. As long as there is some variance in styles, adding a guard would make sense. Shooting and defense are two areas the Grizzlies could improve at guard. Reed Sheppard, a 6-3 guard out of Kentucky, was one of the SEC’s best shooters and perimeter defenders.

Stephon Castle, Isaiah Collier, Rob Dillingham and Nikola Topic each have high ceilings as guard prospects, but Sheppard would be the safest pick to improve the Grizzlies’ shooting while adding a sticky defender.

Scout's take on Sheppard: At worst, he's a connector who's valued for spot-up shooting and passing. In this role, he'd play more time off the ball at the 2, stretching the floor with his deep range. - Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report

Plug and play options

The Grizzlies will be good again next season. And since they’re expected to be back competing near the top of a stacked Western Conference, there won’t be much playing time to let a young rookie learn the ropes while being thrown into the fire. Memphis could benefit from adding an older rookie who has a better chance at being physically and mentally ready to make an impact.

Memphis doesn’t have a major need on the wing, but Dalton Knecht’s shooting ability with multi-position versatility is right up the Grizzlies’ alley of preference.

SUMMER GOALS: Unpacking summer league goals for GG Jackson, other younger Memphis Grizzlies players

If Clingan and Sarr are off the board before Memphis picks, the Grizzlies could trade down and land Edey. The 22-year-old center is NBA ready with 7-4 size, and his rim protection could help the Grizzlies use Jaren Jackson Jr. in similar ways as two seasons ago when the former all-star won Defensive Player of the Year.

Scout's take on Knecht: He has the potential to be an upper echelon shooter in the NBA. That was enough to get older players like Cameron Johnson and Corey Kispert selected in the lottery. And Knecht arguably has more game than both of them did in college. - Zachary Cohen, Real GM analysis

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Three players the Memphis Grizzlies could target in the NBA Draft